Imagine preparing a dish that combines the savory allure of pork chops with the creamy comfort of scalloped potatoes.
First, you’ll need to gather essential kitchen tools and precise ingredients.
Begin by seasoning the pork chops, then brown them to enhance their rich flavor.
Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cheddar cheese and milk, creating a creamy base.
Curious about the exact steps to perfect this classic meal? Let’s get started.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops
- 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (20 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thinly slice the potatoes and onion.
- Shred the cheddar cheese.
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Cooking (1 hour):
- 0-10 minutes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown pork chops for about 3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- 10-15 minutes: Melt butter in the skillet, sauté onions until translucent.
- 15-20 minutes: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened.
- 20-25 minutes: Arrange half of the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half of the milk mixture over them and sprinkle with half the cheese.
- 25-30 minutes: Layer the remaining potatoes, pour the rest of the milk mixture, and top with remaining cheese.
- 30-35 minutes: Place browned pork chops on top of the potatoes. Cover with foil.
- 35-80 minutes: Bake in the oven for 45 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Let the dish rest before serving to let the flavors meld.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
Brown pork chops in the skillet for about 3 minutes on each side.
Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onion, sauté until translucent.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
Pour half of the milk mixture over the potatoes.
Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
Layer the remaining potatoes on top.
Pour the remaining milk mixture over the potatoes.
Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
Place the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Green Beans: Their crispness and freshness provide a nice contrast to the rich, creamy potatoes.
- Garden Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a rejuvenating and healthy element to the meal.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the scalloped potatoes.
- Roasted Asparagus: Offers a slightly nutty flavor that complements the savory pork chops.
- Apple Sauce: A classic pairing with pork, adding a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory dish.
Storage
To store leftover Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes, cool completely.
Portion into airtight containers.
Label with date, and freeze.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Consume within three months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered, to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for using this recipe to create a delicious meal!
The combination of tender pork chops and creamy scalloped potatoes is sure to be a hit at your table.
Remember to slice your potatoes evenly for the best results.
If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some fresh thyme to your dish.
After baking, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes for Regular Potatoes in This Recipe?
You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular ones. First, slice them thinly for even cooking. Sweet potatoes have a slightly different texture and flavor, so adjust seasonings. Follow the original recipe’s steps for consistent results.
What Wine Pairs Well With Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes?
You’d want a wine with balanced acidity and fruitiness. A Chardonnay complements the creamy potatoes, while a Pinot Noir pairs well with the pork chops. Confirm the wine’s body and style match the dish’s richness and flavors.
How Can I Make the Dish Gluten-Free?
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Confirm your cheddar cheese and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Follow the same cooking steps, guaranteeing no cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for Pork Chops in This Dish?
Replace pork chops with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu. Season similarly, then brown in a skillet. Follow remaining steps: layer with potatoes, cheese, milk mixture, and bake. Confirm flavors blend beautifully.
Can I Prepare the Dish in Advance and Bake It Later?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Assemble the ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, preheat the oven and bake as directed. Make certain it’s at room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops
- 4 cups potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Brown pork chops in the skillet for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onion, sauté until translucent.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Pour half of the milk mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
- Layer the remaining potatoes on top.
- Pour the remaining milk mixture over the potatoes.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Place the browned pork chops on top of the potatoes.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
